Our Company

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn teen, pottery barn kids, Rejuvenation, Mark & Graham, west elm, or Outward. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.

About the Team

The Inventory Planning & Management team is responsible for building and managing merchandise financial plans that optimize for sales growth, margin and turn. We are a trusted partner to the merchandising organization, providing insight into sales trends, inventory productivity and exit strategies. We are “numbers” people with a passion for analyzing and synthesizing data into forecast models, constantly updating plans in reaction to sales trends. 

 

About the Role 

The Director, Inventory Management is responsible for developing and executing brand financial and merchandising plans. They will execute inventory strategies to maximize sales, profits and to protect the brand, travel to stores and DC to identify opportunities; improve processes and resolve issues, manage the career development of Inventory Management team. 

This is a hybrid role - 4 days/week onsite in our Portland office required. 

You’re excited about this opportunity because you will...

Communicate inventory position, budget (OTB), financial re-forecast to senior management  Demonstrate leadership to workforce and communicate overall strategy and financial goals across all functions at the organization Identify business opportunities and implement appropriate action to maximize financial objectives Principal contact with distribution centers and manufacturing facilities to insure appropriate flow of information Active leader in recruiting, hiring and development of staff to maximize retention Review current business and take appropriate action to maximize inventory productivity (daily, weekly, monthly) Lead weekly business review updates to communicate inventory position and risk Develop bottoms-up annual financial plans for presentation and approval by executive committee Review and forecast sales, expenses and cost of goods and take appropriate action Provide forecasts and sales, inventory and margins for concept department and/or item for organization (management, finance, merchants, etc.) Develop and submit monthly daily sales to finance Responsible for purchasing and distribution strategies to support concept goals, for both Finished Goods and Raw Parts for custom lighting and hardware Review business and strategy with executive merchandising staff. Identify trends, opportunities and actions necessary to maximize objectives Review floor set with merchandising and visual teams to insure successful execution  Manage inventory flow to insure appropriate in-stock rates are achieved for floor set and web launches Maximize inventory opportunities and minimize liabilities for the brand by partnering with channel leads Mentor, educate and develop staff

 

Why you will love working at Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

We’re a successful, fast-growing company with an entrepreneurial vibe A technologically and data-driven business Competitive salaries and comprehensive health benefits We’re at the forefront of tech and retail, redefining technology for the next generation We’re passionate about our internal and external clients and live/breathe the client experience We get to be creative daily A smart, experienced leadership team that wants to do it right and is open to new ideas We believe in autonomy and reward taking initiative We have fun!

 

We’re excited about you because...

10+ years retail experience  5+ years people management experience 5+ years DTC inventory planning experience Global Business Acumen – Understand the complexity of business on a global scale.  Embrace cultural and individual differences with empathy.  Work with the nuances of specific local cultures to make informed decisions Strategic and Analytical Capability -- Ability to think globally, strategically, and objectively.  Effectively translates data into actionable insights, strategies and financial plans Leading Teams -- Attracts, develops and motives the talent needed for current and future business requirements.  Articulates an inspiring vision for the future, establishes high performance expectations and sets example through own behavior. Ensures alignment of individual goals with overall business objectives. Coaches team members to success and holds individuals accountable for achieving results Drive for Results -- Credibility earned through delivering results. Balances urgent and effective action, commitment to excellence, taking initiative to resolve problems and work quality Demonstrates high initiative and provides leadership in a project-oriented environment Effective Communication -- Communicates clearly and effectively with associates at all levels, board members, external partners and customers.    Strong verbal and written presentation skills including the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple way and to tailor key messages and presentation style to multiple audiences Influence and Collaboration -- Builds and sustains collaborative relationships at multiple levels in the company.  Able to work through complex disagreements and conflict to achieve resolution.  Builds trust by including others and by keeping the cross-functional teams focused on the success of the entire company

Technical Competencies required: 

At Williams-Sonoma Inc. you will need to work with multiple enterprise systems concurrently, so proficiency with ERP systems is required.  Deep understanding of Excel is a must – we are constantly working in Excel and building new tools and models to analyze the business. 

 

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time Ability to type on a keyboard and operate a PC Ability to converse over a telephone Ability to transport materials or equipment or lifting, moving, carrying objects up to 50 pounds on a limited basis Ability to work in office and perform in corporate environment

 

Benefits:

Once you are here, you can look forward to a wide variety of benefits designed to help you grow, personally and professionally, to keep you healthy, to prepare you for the unexpected, to care for your family and to build a secure future. Depending on your position and your location, here’s a look at what you might be eligible for: 

A generous discount on all Williams Sonoma Inc. brands through multiple shopping channels A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities Paid vacations, holidays and other time-off programs Health benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance; health and dependent care tax-free spending accounts; medical, family and bereavement leave; same-sex domestic partner benefits; short- and long-term disability programs; life and travel insurance; an employee assistance program Tax-free commuter benefits A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University  Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities Location specific sample sales A business casual work environment Time off to volunteer Matching donations to qualifying nonprofit organizations Company-sponsored community involvement Various discounts on local businesses

 

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration